Google went big at CES this year, tripling the size of its presence over 2018. But the most intriguing part of its booth might not be the gadgets.
It's "The Ride," a three minute roller-coaster of sorts that tells the story of how you can use the Google Assistant throughout your day. I just rode it. Here's what it was like.
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
You start off in a room where a man is sleeping, and it's implied that we're about to go through his day and how he uses Google Assistant. It feels a lot like one of those starting rooms at Disney World.
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Next, I walked up a bunch of stairs and waited in line for the ride.
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Almost there!
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Google puts two people in each cart and a bar locks you in place.
We're ready to go!
CNBC | Todd Haselton
We hear "OK Google start the ride," and we're off!
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
This was the first area, representing how you can use Google Maps and auto on your morning commute.
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
You might hit some traffic!
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Or bad weather, which Google can route you around.
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Then doors open and suddenly we're outside, over CES!
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Lots of people rode it with us.
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Back inside. This room implies we can use Google Assistant to find a bakery, or to give you recipes if you want to bake your own goods.
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
Or use Google Assistant to take a selfie...
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
... at grandma's 91st birthday! (Which is what the cake was for.)
Google's ride at CES 2019
CNBC | Todd Haselton
And, about three minutes or so after we started, we pulled back into the station. There weren't any wild loops or drops, just a curving track that showed us how Google Assistant can help throughout the day. It was fun and it's the most impressive booth experience I've ever seen at any trade show.
